New ALSTOM landing aid system launched at DSEi

ALSTOM is launching an new landing aid system for the defence industry at DSEi 2001 designed to assist aircraft landing in darkness.

The UltraGlo ultra-violet carrier and frigate deck landing aid system, which gives fixed wing and helicopter pilots a standard of depth perception only available in daylight - is a joint development between ALSTOM's Power Conversion Sector, BPI (Translight) Ltd and Coating Consultants Ltd.

The system combines ALSTOM's expertise in the field of airfield approach lighting with leading edge UV lighting and ballast technology from BP (Translight) Ltd, coupled with illuminating fluorescent deck paint specially developed by Coating Consultants.

The ultra-violet lights are arranged to provide coverage of the landing and parking areas on the deck where all landing markings are painted in the special fluorescent paint.

At night, or in very poor conditions, when an incoming aircraft is close enough to start its final approach, the lights are turned on to activate the deck paint. The fluorescent paint gives definition and depth to the landing area, aiding the pilot in his landing approach.

On touchdown, the lights are switched off and the paint instantly stops fluorescing leaving no afterglow low for hostile forces to follow.

The system has been successfully trialled and is now undergoing full sea trials

Special colours, such as red and yellow, can also be supplied for use on hazard markings or even on clothing to help identify different specialists on the flight deck. Clear versions, fluorescing in different colours, are also available for use in outlining frigate hangars. In daylight they appear as normal superstructure grey.

"This is a low-cost solution to help counteract the problems of depth perception that some pilots experience when landing by floodlighting at night, said Mark Healey, sales manager for ALSTOM's Airports Business. "By using 35W UV lighting, which is nearly invisible to the human eye, there is no need to mask or shield the light output to avoid illuminating other areas."

He added: "We're also looking to use the system in portable or transportable mode for deployment by rapid reaction ground forces for covert and Special Forces air operations, and also to provide innovative solutions for airfield operations where visibility is restricted."

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